The main concourse is amazingly spacious; 50 meters high, 147 meters wide, 29 meters deep. Through the ceiling, the art of steel and glass, people see the sky color changing over time and feel the transience of time. I appreciate it as the building has the Japanese traditional way of sensing the subtle change although it is a masterpiece of futurism. At sunset the ceiling seems to glow a pale pink. The combination of the sunset, the high ceiling and the huge space is inspiring. This perfect setting also reminds me of a solemn cathedral in Europe.
What I enjoyed the most are the beautiful reflections. All the pictures in this blog, except one, have the reflections.
He seems to be going to fall from the edge of the top. His image is also a reflection.
Twins of Kyoto Tower
Grand Staircase is the soothing area where people sit down to take a rest, eat or enjoy doing nothing.
Over the main concourse is an aerial walkway connecting the east and west wings,
and giving a magnificent view of the city.
Although more than ten years have passed after the construction, this building is still half praised and half criticized by people. As Kyoto is the ancient capital where the emperors had lived more than 1000 years, the architectures in the city are expected to harmonize and unify with its long history and unique culture. Some people think the station is too modern. But, I really like this building which is the ideal fusion of the modern and the traditional.
In front of the station is Kyoto Tower which also has been the subject of controversy since it was built. It isthe similar case with the station.Kyoto Station is one of the most important transportation hubs served by train lines extending throughout Japan.
Why don't you come and explore the station which is the ideal starting point of your journey to Kyoto.
I'm sure you'll like it!
I like the feeling when I 'm ascending on the elongated escalator to an almost empty space in the station.
ReplyDeleteBefore I read some articles that there were many people who hate Kyoto Tower and it made them up set with the mirror.
I wonder if there are many such people still now.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteharicot,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment.
Mr.Hara used so many glass that mirror images are everywhere in the station. And it creates interesting world which I enjoy. But, always, there are people who don't like it.
Nara Narional Museum, the traditional one, once had been the target of controversy when it was built 100 years ago. People thought the building was too modern for Nara. But now people like it and appreciate its beauty.
Time is changing and people are changing.
Mr. Hara also designed Kansai International Air Port and Umeda Sky Building.
When Kyoto station was built, I was interested in its size or long stairs or unique roof but I did not noticed interest of glass wall. Recently I was not interested in anything except Christmas-tree and shops in the station. But next time I will watch magic of glass.
ReplyDeleteCome to think of it,structure of some airport's roof look like Kyoto station's and what's new roof of Osaka station like,I wonder?
sarah,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment.
It was the first time for me to stay for a while to take pictures in Kyoto Station. I found it beautiful, especially at sunset.
Before I had just come through the station without seeing anything as I had taken it as just a station.
I am also looking forward to seeing the new roof of Osaka Station.
Kyoto. Nara. . .
ReplyDeleteThose scenery is Japan itself.
It is honor as the Japanese that a precious Japanese inheritance is introduced to the world.
"断絶" jacket photograph.
It is the best photography for me.
Your photography is attractive, too.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday and a Happy New Year!
Thank you.
ruma
ruma,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your encouraging comment.
Nara and Kyoto are really great places.
Whenever I visit them, I am surprised with new discovery. Every time they are fresh.
I'd like to see "断絶" jacket photograph.
A very happy new year, snowwhite.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a new year filled with good health and prosperity and joy.
新年あけましておめでとうございます。
Thank you.
ruma
ruma,
ReplyDeleteA Happy New Year!
How marvelous the "断絶" jacket photograph is! I have a different album, but not this one.
Thank you!!
はじめまして ！
ReplyDeleteI'm so lucky to be able to meet you in your fantastic blog. Please struggle through geeky English in my blog.
日本語は人並みだと思います（笑）
∬´ｰ｀∬ どうぞよろしく♪
Anzu,
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you.
Thank you for visiting my blog.
Through my blog, I met you. And I think it is 縁.
My Japanese is also not bad, I suppose.
I have been to Kyoto many times.
ReplyDeleteand like colored leaves in the photography season.
Kyoto station lets me feel nostalgia.
京都を訪問する時はいつも、豊国神社前の「道楽」で食事します。
Thank you.
ruma
ruma,
ReplyDeleteFor these two years, I'd taken pictures of colored leaves in Nara. Yes, this year I'll take photos in Kyoto and visit 「道楽」definitely!!
Ruma, thank you for your information!!
I spent a very short two days in the Kyoto area when I came to teach at Shiga Medical College but I arrived by air. The train station is incredible, though. I fell in love with Japan during that one week. The highlight of the trip was our three days in Akita and our visit to Kakunodate and the samurai houses and to beautiful Lake Tazawa-ko.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a wonderful place - and some great reflections.
ReplyDeleteRNSANE,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment.
Two days in Kyoto are too short!
A number of people use Kyoto Station, but many of them take underground passages and miss this magnificent building.
Did you come to Nara which was the capital before Kyoto. Only 30～40 minutes from Kyoto by train.
I'm very glad you love Japan!
Thank you!
Serendipity,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment.
Really it is a wonderful place, but many people are too busy to enjoy its magnificence. It’s a pitty.
Next time I go there, I'll find more reflections!!
See you!